Get to Know: Codename Strider

Tomorrow night, two new Philly Improv Theater House Teams make their debut. Get to know them now before you see them on stage.

Prior to rehearsal, May 29, director Steve Kleinedler speaks with the cast of Codename: Strider

Steve Kleinedler: Jim Burns, do you have a question for Corin Wells?

Jim Burns: Yes, I do, and it’s a serious question. The name of our group happened at a party at your place, is that correct?

Corin Wells: Yeah, it did.

JB: Since I wasn’t there, could you please tell how that developed?

CW: Ok! Our name developed when Ellen, a former member of Codename: Strider, came up with it. It was thrown out there as a suggestion, and we all liked it. Unfortunately, Ellen can’t perform with us [because she’s moving to Minneapolis!] so we all thought that it was fitting for us to choose the name she picked for us.

SK: Excellent way of answering the question without giving away the answer, which readers of this column will have to come see the show to find out. Corin, do you have a question of Chris Calletta?

CW: I do, I do. Chris, your hair always looks immaculate. I was wondering, do you have a favorite strand of hair?

Chris Calletta: I do, and sadly it’s not on my head. I keep it in a box in my drawer.

CW: What’s its name?

CC: Harold.

SK: I thought this was going someplace completely different. [Pause] Let the record show Corin is losing it. [Laughter]

CC: His name is Harold.

CW: [Laughing] OK. I hope to get to meet him someday.

CC: Yes, I’ll have to bring him out. He might be at the debut show.

SK: All right. So, Chris, do you have a question for Emily Davis?

CC: I do. Emily, when does your team debut?

Emily Davis: Our new team? Our new team debuts on June 1st, and you can also see us on June 2nd. Check the website. www.phillyimprovtheater.com

SK: Nicely done. Emily, do you have a question for Andrew Stober?

ED: Andrew, we have seen you in the Philly scene before. What makes this project so exciting and different for you?

Andrew Stober: I think people are going to be blown away by the kind of movement they see onstage, the kind of tableaux and transitions. We’re bringing a new, exciting, fast-paced group improv to the stage in Philadelphia.

SK: Thank you, Andrew. Andrew, do you have a question for teammate Sue Jahani?

AS: I sure do! Sue Jahani, tell me what is the most fun thing about hanging out with your new team?

Sue Jahani: Aw, my new team is great! [Laughter.] Everyone’s super supportive and genuinely nice. I really enjoy doing warmups with my team and getting drinks afterward with my team. [w00ts in the background]

SK: Thank you, Sue. Do you have a question for Jim Burns?

SJ: Yes! Jim, I was wondering, Jim, [hums a bit] where is your favorite place to go after practice?

JB: Well, Sue, I like to go to Vargas. It’s right next door to where we rehearse, and they have a nice selection of beers. I’ve turned you into an alcoholic, I apologize.

CW: Follow up question – what’s your favorite beer to get there?

SJ: Presidential?

JB: That’s true, I like the Presidential beers. So anything by Jefferson, Washington, not Monroe, he’s kind of a douche.

SK: Thank you. Who has a question for me, Steve Kleinedler, the director?

CC: I do. I hear your team likes to to play pranks, and I’d imagine then you’d be the leader of this? I was wondering why do you pick on a team like Westmarch [laughter]?

SK: In the kindred spirit of newbiedom, we’ve decided to go after Westmarch, even though they just sat there like–

CW: They took it.

SK: –scared marmots. Yeah, they took it. But we respect them greatly, and their coach, and we look forward to playing alongside them for years to come. Martha Cooney, the class that she teaches — they’re like 3rd graders or something? They’re doing a show right now. She’ll be by later, and when that happens, we’ll ask her a question. So, over and out.

CW: You forgot about Maureen.

JB: He forgot Maureen.

SK: Oh. OH! We forgot Maureen. Corin didn’t forget about Maureen. We will also be asking Maureen a question. The two of them can ask each other a question. Back later.

CW: Yay! [Applause]

[After rehearsal]

SK: And, we just had a great rehearsal! And we’re following up with our final questions. Maureen! Maureen Costello, do you have a question for Martha Cooney?

Maureen Costello: I do, I do have a question for Martha Cooney. Martha, what is your favorite holiday that is not a major holiday?

Martha Cooney: Not a major holiday?

MCostello: Mmmhmmm.

MCooney: Arbor Day is a good one. It’s underrated and undervalued. But important.

MCostello: I like it, yeah, good.

SK: And Martha, do you have a question for castmate Maureen Costello?

MCooney: I was wondering, your favorite dental hygiene practice?

MCostello: Probably brushing my teeth would be A, then flossing. I like the mouthwash, but not the kind that stings.

SK: And a question for both of you. How excited are you about the shows coming up this week.